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Post 19 of 52

This week I found myself in a familiar conversation, “How do you like living in Finland?” These moments perplex me. For the person asking, it is a unique conversation. For the person answering, it is a question that comes up repeatedly. So frequent, that I find my answers grow boring and unpersuasive at times.

To answer the chit-chat questions and continue a conversation in a mellow mood is a complicated balance. The answers are so personal, and I have a difficult time bringing my response to the surface.

Life abroad is wonderful, difficult, painful, and infinitely inspiring. In contrast, I knew from a young age to appreciate my surroundings, because I never felt like I fit in. People tend to remind me of that… “You’re different, where are you from?”

For the sake of small talk, I prefer modern devices like Instagram and using photography for instant expression. The images capture what I fail to eloquently say in a 15-minute conversation.

What do I like about living in Finland? …well just look at these little details, aren’t they wonderful?